How Identity Has Influenced An Assistant Program Manager At American Biotech's Career
Angel, an Assistant Program Manager at American Biotech Co., credits their undergraduate success to a broad, diverse curriculum at UC Davis, embracing classes far beyond their political science major – from "intro to Avian Sciences" to "women in West Africa" – to cultivate a wider worldview and develop empathy. This approach, in their view, fostered a crucial ability to "see the world from a bigger perspective," a skillset highly valuable in their current career.
Interdisciplinary Studies, Empathy and Compassion, Comfort Zone Expansion, Critical Thinking, Worldly Perspective
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Angel Torres
Assistant Program Manager
American Biotech Co.
University of California, Davis
University of Oklahoma, Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership (2022); University of California, Los Angeles, Masters in Business Administration (2025)
Political Science, American Studies
Biotechnology & Pharmaceutical
Operations and Project Management
Disabled, Scholarship Recipient, Veteran
Video Highlights
1. Took a wide variety of courses outside of her major, including classes in avian sciences, agricultural economics, history, and acting, to gain a broader perspective of the world.
2. Emphasized the importance of stepping outside of one's comfort zone and challenging one's own perspectives to foster deeper learning and understanding.
3. Highlighted the value of a general education curriculum in developing empathy and compassion, which are useful in collaborating with diverse teams and stakeholders in a professional setting
Transcript
What did you do in undergrad to set you up for success in your career?
As an undergrad at the University of California, Davis, I majored in political science. I was so passionate about learning that I completed my grad-level education by the end of my sophomore year, leaving two years to finish my required credits just to graduate.
I took a variety of different classes, whatever college accepted me in their classroom. I took classes in Avian Sciences in the agricultural college, jumping into classes meant for students pursuing agricultural engineering, economics, and more. I also took history classes, a "Women in West Africa" class, and even an intro to acting class.
These diverse courses provided a good base, allowing me to see the world from a bigger perspective. I believe it's important not to focus on just one thing as an undergrad. Many people discredit the general education curriculum, but it's designed to give you a good understanding of the world.
You don't want to think everyone is like you, as it reduces your willingness to have compassion and empathy. Seeing the world as a chaotic, beautiful place where people need to compromise to get along makes you more likely to be part of the solution.
Another great class was "Wagner and Star Wars," a music class where I learned about the composer Wagner and what John Williams did with the Star Wars score, comparing and contrasting them. So, take classes that push you out of your comfort zone, because that's when you're truly learning. Challenge everything you learn and be ready to change how you think.